2.3.14

Red Blood Cells

Test yourself

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to all body cells. They are adapted to do this function because of their features:

Illustrative background for Biconcave shapeIllustrative background for Biconcave shape ?? "content

Biconcave shape

  • Red blood cells have dents on each side.
  • We call this a biconcave shape.
  • This biconcave shape creates a large surface area and allows for the rapid diffusion of oxygen.
Illustrative background for HaemoglobinIllustrative background for Haemoglobin ?? "content

Haemoglobin

  • Haemoglobin is found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin binds with oxygen in the lungs.
  • Haemoglobin carries oxygen which will then be released to the body cells to be used for respiration.
Illustrative background for No nucleusIllustrative background for No nucleus ?? "content

No nucleus

  • Red blood cells do not have a nucleus. This frees up more room for haemoglobin.
  • This maximises the amount of oxygen that they can carry.
Illustrative background for Small sizeIllustrative background for Small size ?? "content

Small size

  • Red blood cells are small so that they can pass through tiny capillaries.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson